I am GodвЂ™s creation I belong to God I am strong with deep roots. (8) Shall not see when heat cometh.-Another reading, followed by the LXX. I may grow and my scenery may change but there are certain things in me that remain the same. But even then, I do not stand alone for there is a Gardener who planted me. IN THE MIDST of the street of it, AND ON EITHER SIDE of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit. At times, things are so tragic it seems as if the whole world is passing by without even noticingвЂ¦everyone is racing down the stream and I am all alone on the bank. In the darkness of the storm, God is the light that guides me to a place of hope. No matter what has happened in my life, God has always provided. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river and it shall not see and fear when heat comes but its leaf shall.

I know that I will get through the hard times because I always have in the past. I wonder why I donвЂ™t see the picture of the tree in the storm when I read these passages? When the storm comes, my faith is what keeps me from toppling. The wind does blow and sometimes with quite a vengeance. And when the wind blows I am not easily knocked over. As I grow in my faith, my actions and reactions become more embedded and more natural almost as if the roots are strong. When I am focused on Christ and looking for Christ in the world around me and being Christ to my neighbor (whoever that may be) there is no question that I am kinder in my actions and thoughts. I know for a fact that Christ nourishes me. Prayer, meditation, contemplation, and observation help as well. As I spend time reading, studying, and discussing scripture I grow in both knowledge and maturity. I, like the tree have grown both physically and spiritually. I am nourished by the living waters of Christ, that I know. As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the rivers side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside. Whenever I read this verse, it offers comfort but to be honest with you I have never stopped to consider how I am like (or God forbid, not like) this tree. The sun shines brightly on the tree and birds sing on itвЂ™s branches as itвЂ™s roots soak up the abundant water. In my minds eye, I always seem to envision this promise to the righteous, the ones who trust in the Lord as a lovely bright sunny day with a big strong tree resting just beside a calm, winding river. There is just something about this image that conjures up stability, nourishment, fruitfulness, and calm. It can be found in Psalm 1 and in Jeremiah 17.

I have always loved this image, a tree planted by streams of water.

Tree by the river bible